Resistor Terms:
Definitions used with Resistors
'A', 'B', 'C',
'D/E', 'F-L', 'M', 'N', 'O', 'P', 'R', 'S', 'T', 'V-Z'
3-Terminal Resistor Network A through-hole or surface mount package that normally holds a voltage divider. However it may hold another configuration, as in two resistors as shown with another in parallel with both. The definition on Voltage Divider shows an SMD 3-Terminal Resistor Network. |  |
Active Resistor: A Semiconductor IC that acts as an active resistor. Companies that manufacture Active Resistors
Adjustable Resistor A variable resistor. A resistor whose overall ohmic value is fixed, but also has one or more movable terminals which are designed to be set and fixed to any value within the range of the complete resistor. A Potentiometer is a variable resistor designed for a large number of adjustments, while a Trimmer is a variable resistor designed only for a small number of adjustments.
A slide-type wire-wound resistor is shown below, note the securing screw to hold the wiper in position.
Slide-Type, Wire Wound Resistor
Aluminum Housed Resistor A resistor encased in an aluminum housing normally having a flat base for chassis or heat sink mounting. These power resistors may either be Derated by Temperature per MIL-R-39009, or by Derated by Mounting Area per MIL-R-39009.
Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the air surrounding an object. The temperature used as ambient temperature in data sheets is 250C, which is different than 'room temperature'.
Attenuator: A resistive network that produces a reduction in amplitude. Common resistor terminators; 'Pi' Attenuator Pads, 'L' Attenuator Pads, or 'T' Attenuator Pads. Refer here for detailed Resistor Attenuator Circuits.
Companies that manufacture Chip Attenuators
L Pad Attenuator
Array: A resistor array is a group of resistors contained within a single package, but normally isolated from one another. Companies that manufacture Resistor Arrays. The term Array and Network are interchangeable but in many cases a resistor network references a group of resistors interconnected in some fashion while a resistor array refers to a group of resistors that do not interconnect. [Schematic Resistor Array]
10-Pin SIP Resistor Array
Axial Leaded: Both leads of the component travel along the axis, one lead on either side of the component. A through-hole resistor. Design hint: Surface Mount resistors are preferred because of their smaller size and lower lead inductance.
Axial Lead Resistor
Example Standard Axial lead families; MIL-R-10509F. Refer to the table [right] for some standard size axial leaded resistors. Only similar resistors are referenced that have the same body thickness; as the diameter of the body of the resistor is not given. In other words, MIL-10509 only refers to a particular resistor styles and size.
